Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi is easily one of the most anticipated Star Wars projects on Lucasfilm’s slate and, after a few setbacks, the show is finally heading towards production. Just this week, Lucasfilm confirmed that filming is gearing up to start soon, and the studio also revealed the star-studded cast headed by the returning Ewan McGregor. The event series is already set to bring back a few classic characters, but some fans are also wondering if Jar Jar Binks could find his way onto the show. With that, the actor behind the clumsy Gungan has now responded to the rumors.
Ahmed Best has maintained a relatively close relationship with the Star Wars franchise over the years, having most recently served as the host of the Jedi Temple Challenge game show. But could his connection to Lucasfilm mean he’ll have a role in Obi-Wan Kenobi? Well, here’s what Best had to say on the matter:
Thanks for the love, but I will not be in this series. As much as I would’ve loved to be a part of it. But I’m ecstatic to see folks who I love dearly back together doing great things.
Ahmed Best couldn’t have been clearer in his recent Twitter post. And while he may not be reprising his role, he does seem to be just as excited for the series as fans are. Theoretically, it would be possible for Jar Jar Binks to appear on Obi-Wan Kenobi but, given the time period of the show, it may not make sense to include the character.
Obi-Wan Kenobi picks up a decade after the explosive events of Revenge of the Sith and centers on the iconic Jedi as he navigates the galaxy during the age of the Galactic Empire. Specific plot details have not been released, but some of the casting announcements suggest we’ll definitely see Kenobi on the planet Tatooine, where he’s watching over young Luke Skywalker. With this, it would be a bit challenging to find an organic way to fit Jar Jar Binks into the show.
But in the first place, it’s nice to see that some Star Wars fans have an interest in seeing Ahmed Best reprise his role as Jar Jar Binks. Reception to the character was initially mixed to negative, yet many have begun to view him in a more positive light. Best himself has also become a favorite among the fandom.
Jar Jar Binks may not be appearing in Obi-Wan Kenobi, but there could be hope for him in other upcoming Star Wars projects. Ahmed Best could reprise his role vocally by appearing in the animated series The Bad Batch. Or maybe he could even find his way into a live-action series like The Mandalorian or Ahsoka. With so much content on the way, the sky’s the limit.
If you’re looking to revisit some of Ahmed Best’s Jar Jar work on the small screen, you can binge Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+.
